BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Several hospitals in southern Negros are still struggling with problems two weeks after super typhoon “Odette” struck.
Power supply instability is bugging the Valeriano M. Gatuslao Memorial District Hospital in Himamaylan City, according to Negros Occidental provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz.
Medical equipment are breaking down due to low voltage, he said.
To avoid further damage, the hospital management was advised to fully utilize its power generator sets.
On the other hand, according to Diaz, the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City suffered flood-related damage.
Also, despite the thorough cleanup, the stench left by the floodwaters remain, said Diaz.
The Bureau of Fire Protection in Kabankalan City regularly brings water to the hospital used for the cleanup.
In Sipalay City, the Merceditas J. Montilla District Hospital suffered extensive structural damage.
Diaz said a representative from the Government Service Insurance System is set to visit the hospital to make an assessment, after which the agency may release funds for the repair.
“Ang damage ara sa roofing. Tapos may iban nga parts sang hospital ang na-compromise gid kay na-expose siya to the elements,” Diaz said.
The Eleuterio T. Decena Memorial Hospital in the town of Hinoba-an also sustained damage, although Diaz said it wasn’t too severe compared to the hospital in Sipalay City.
The Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City also reported some damage./PN
